If you weren’t aware, Fusion just launched a new segment/series on their network called 'The Traffickers', which is hosted by journalist, Nelufar Hedayat. She is going around the globe and looking for the consumers and sources that directly connect to the Black Market. It’s very interesting. I encourage you to watch. When I mention the Black Market, I'm referring to anything that has to do with it.
From the illegal trade of Rhino horns to the trafficking of human organs, it’s all there. Today, I will be gathering information on the trade of the rhino horns. There are various things I learned just by watching the episode dedicated to the rhinos.
Vietnam is the number one consumer of the horns. South Africa directly ships them to the Vietnamese in the capital of Hanoi. Therefore, South Africa is responsible for the poaching of these endangered species. As much as the Africans have tried to protect their animals, many people are still after them. The reason why they are intrigued by their horns is for a number of reasons. First of all, the Vietnamese believe that the horns can cure anything; a stroke, cancer, etc. You name it. It’s amazing to know that the horns are made into bangles and they’re even used as a party drug. You would expect the low class of Hanoi to be involved in this horrendous crime. Think again. It’s actually people with money and mansions who buy the horns. The stuff they make out of the horns are worth a lot of money. According to Poaching Facts, “In 2014 the retail price of a whole rhino horn is commonly pegged at around $60,000 per kilogram, with some reports of as much as $100,000 per kilogram being charged.” Just look at that number. That was just in 2014. In the episode of the illegal trade of the horns on ‘The Traffickers’, Nelufar Hedayat, the journalist that goes to Vietnam and South Africa for deeper research, says that they are being poached for up to $300,000. She also goes into this huge, white mansion in Hanoi where she meets actual buyers and a bangle is around $7,000 in U.S. dollars. That is a lot of money! And for what? To keep killing innocent animals? These rhinos are super close to extinction because of that. The fact that people believe that horns can cure a sickness is ridiculous. There is no evidence whatsoever that a horn can cure anything. Horns are made of keratin, the same stuff that is in our fingernails. We need to protect these animals now more than ever. It doesn’t matter how difficult or illegal they try to make this trade because it’s still happening and it will continue to be this way no matter what. People will always find a loophole around the law. It simply exists. It’s everywhere. Sadly, our world has turned into this materialistic society where we keep buying things to the point where we don’t care if it affects our planets or population of animals, in this case. Let’s put an end to it. I would suggest watching the episode. It will be a definite eye opener and you will see the real deal on this ongoing situation.
